• Stephenson’s Bar-B-Que, Willow Springs: Since 1958, when the late Paul Stephenson switched from growing hogs to cooking them.

• Daniel Boone Inn, Boone: Serving family style meals since 1959.

• Shatley Springs, Crumpler: From April through November, a popular spot for crowds who value this remote Ashe County spot for country cooking, the famous spring water, and beautiful mountain scenery.

• Snappy Lunch, Mount Airy: More than the connection to Andy Griffith, the classic pork chop sandwich makes this place an icon.

What do you think?

I already have a reaction from my friend Randy Gardner, who wrote, “This is a mighty fine list. I would replace Stephenson’s BBQ with Hap’s Hamburgers & Hotdogs in Salisbury. And if pressed I would take Zack’s in Burlington over The Snappy. We ate at Doug Sauls’ in Nashville yesterday. It is really good BBQ. Good sides too; blackeyed peas, Brunswick stew, green beans, boiled potatoes, and of course, cole slaw. I ate at Wilber’s Tuesday, and I swear to God, to paraphrase Bob Garner; ‘There’s none better.’ In other words, it’s still the BEST.”

It was great to hear from Randy Gardner, but I would like to hear from you, too. Share your thoughts about the list by writing me at nceateries@yahoo.com.